RIR Comparative Policy Overview 2004-07

RIR Comparative Policy Overview (version 2004-07)

The goal of this document is to provide a comparative overview of policies across the RIR system. It is not a policy statement by the RIRs, but serves as a reference for the Internet community. While this document was accurate on the date of publication (19 July, 2004), it may be outdated by subsequent policy implementations. The official policy documents can be found at the respective web sites of the RIRs. This is a public document that will be reviewed and revised through the co-ordinated efforts of the RIRs.

For more information, refer to the APNIC, ARIN, LACNIC, and RIPE NCC web sites.

1. General

1.1 Goals of the Internet Registry System

1.2 Membership

1.3 Allocation terms and Conditions

1.3.1 Type of custodianship

1.3.2 Transfer of custodianship

1.3.3 Recovering unused resources

2. IPv4

2.1 Initial Allocation

2.1.1 Initial allocation for the African regions

2.2 Subsequent Allocation

2.3 Sub-Allocations

2.4 Assignments by RIRs (Independent / Portable)

2.4.1 General

2.4.2 Critical infrastructure

2.4.3 Internet exchange points (IXPs)

2.5 Assignments by LIRs (Aggregatable/Non-Portable)

2.5.1 Assignment window

2.5.2 Dynamic addressing

2.5.3 Mobile terminals

2.5.4 Web hosting

2.5.5 Network address translation (NAT)

2.5.6 RFC1918 Private Address Space

3. IPv6

3.1 Initial Allocation

3.2 Subsequent Allocation

3.3 Assignments by RIRs (Independent /Portable)

3.3.1 Critical infrastructure

3.3.2 Internet exchange points (IXPs)

3.4 Assignments by LIRs (Aggregatable/Non-Portable)

3.4.1 Dynamic addressing

3.4.2 Mobile terminals

3.4.3 Web hosting

3.4.4 Network address translation (NAT)

4. Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs)

4.1 Allocations

4.2 Assignments

5. Database – Registration

6. Reverse DNS

7. National Internet Registries (NIRs)

8. Policy development

9. Internet experiments

10. Documentation Prefix

 

1. General

1.1 Goals of the RIR System

RIR Policy
APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

 All allocations and assignments of Internet resources must be consistent with the goals of the Internet Registry system: aggregation, conservation and registration.

1.2 Membership

RIR Category Policy
APNIC Qualification Membership is open globally without conditions.
Access to registration services Members have full access to all services. Non-members may access resource assignment and allocation services.
Fee model Not-for-profit organization. Fee schedule established to enable cost recovery of operations.
ARIN Qualification Open globally without conditions. Organizations that receive allocations automatically become members.
Access to registration services Do not need to be a member to receive registration services.
Fee model Not-for-profit organization. Fee schedule established to enable cost recovery of operations.
LACNIC Qualification Membership is open to LACNIC region only, without conditions.
Access to registration services Organizations approved for IP addresses automatically become members. It is not necessary to become a member to obtain some services like ASN assignments. Only organizations based in LACNIC region may apply for resources.
Fee model Not-for-profit organization. Fee schedule established to enable cost recovery of operations.
RIPE NCC Qualification Membership is open globally without conditions.
Access to registration services Members only.
Fee model Not-for-profit organization. Fee schedule established to enable cost recovery of operations.

1.3 Allocation terms and conditions

1.3.1 Type of custodianship

RIR Policy
APNIC Allocates and assigns on a ‘license’ basis, to be of specific limited duration (normally 1 year). Licenses are renewable if: a) the original basis of the allocation or assignment remains satisfied and b) requirements have been met at time of renewal.
ARIN

LACNIC

 Valid as long as original criteria remain satisfied and registration fees are kept up to date.
RIPE NCC Valid as long as original criteria remain satisfied.

1.3.2 Transfer of custodianship

RIR Policy
ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

 Do not allow sale of addresses, but recognise name changes and transfers of tangible assets associated with addresses. Requires submission of legal documents. Utilisation is verified. May require new agreement.
APNIC As above, with the exception of “historical resource transfers”. “Historical” resources can be transferred to APNIC members without the need for the technical justification procedures.

1.3.3 Recovering unused resources

RIR Policy Comment
APNIC Valid as long as original criteria remain satisfied. Has procedures to actively recover ‘unused’ networks.

If an organization closes, unused resources are returned to the public pool.
ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

 Valid as long as original criteria remain satisfied. Does not actively recover unused resources, but if an organization closes, unused resources are returned to the public pool.

2. IPv4

2.1 Initial allocation

RIR Category Policy
APNIC Size Slow start: /21 (can be exceeded when documented immediate infrastructure need exceeds /21).
Eligibility a) Membership or pay non-member fee; b) have previously used or can demonstrate immediate need for /23; c) complied with policies in managing all previous address space; d) detailed plan for use of a /22 within a year; e) commit to renumber from previously deployed space.
Period 1 year.
ARIN Size Slow start: /22 minimum for multihomed, otherwise /20 (can be exceeded when documented immediate need exceeds /20).
Eligibility For a /22: efficient utilisation of a /23 from upstream; multihomed; agree to renumber,

or

For a /21: efficient utilisation of /22 from upstream; multihomed; agree to renumber,

or

For a /20: efficient utilisation of /21 from upstream; multihomed; agree to renumber,

or

Efficient utilisation of /20 from upstream (no renumbering required).
Period 3 months.
LACNIC Size Slow start: /20 (can be exceeded when documented immediate infrastructure need exceeds /20).
Eligibility Must have /22 from upstream; multihomed; agree to renumber within 12 months.

or

If not multihomed must demonstrate use of /21 from upstream and agree to renumber within 12 months.

or

Demonstrate immediate need.
Period 3 months.
RIPE NCC Size Slow start: /21 (can be exceeded when justified).
Eligibility a) Membership; b) demonstration of need.
Period Not set during “slow start”.

2.1.1 Initial allocation for the African regions

Note: AFRINIC is an emerging RIR. Once AFRINIC is officially recognised as a new RIR, it will be responsible for allocating number resources for Africa. Currently the economies of Africa are served by APNIC, ARIN and RIPE NCC.  The following table shows APNIC’s, ARIN’s and RIPE NCC’s initial allocation policy for the regions they serve in Africa.

RIR Category Policy
APNIC Size Slow start: /22 (can be exceeded when documented immediate infrastructure need exceeds /22).
Eligibility a) Membership or pay non-member fee; b) have previously used or can demonstrate immediate need for /24; c) complied with policies in managing all previous address space; d) detailed plan for use of a /23 within a year; e) commit to renumber from previously deployed space.
Period 1 year
ARIN Size Slow start: Minimum /22 (can be exceeded when documented immediate need exceeds /22).
Eligibility Efficient utilisation of /23 from upstream; multihomed.

or

Efficient utilisation of /22 from upstream.
Period 3 months.
RIPE NCC Size Slow start: /22 (can be exceeded when justified).
Eligibility a) Membership; b) demonstration of need.
Period Not set during “slow start”.

2.2 Subsequent allocation

RIR Category Policy Comment
APNIC Size Minimum /21, no maximum. Contiguous allocation provided where possible.
Eligibility Demonstrate 80% efficient utilisation of all prior allocated space.
Period 3 months up to 1 year based on previous utilisation.
ARIN Size Minimum /22 for multihomed, otherwise /20, no maximum.
Eligibility Demonstrate efficient utilisation of all previous allocations and at least 80% of the most recent allocation.
Period 3 months. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may request 6 months after they have been an ARIN member for one year.
LACNIC Size Minimum /20, no maximum.
Eligibility Demonstrate 80% efficient utilisation of all prior allocated space.
Period 3 months.
RIPE NCC Size Minimum /21, no maximum.
Eligibility Demonstrate approximately 80% efficient utilisation of all prior allocated space.
Period Two years, previous utilisation considered.

2.3 Sub-allocations

RIR Policy Comment
APNIC LIRs may sub-allocate addresses to other organizations, which further assign addresses to end-users. LIRs also assign addresses. Sub-allocations are subject to the ‘Assignment Window’ procedure. See section 2.5.1 ‘Assignment Window’ below.
ARIN ISPs may sub-allocate addresses to other organizations, which further assign addresses to End Users.
LACNIC RIR allocates and assigns IP blocks to organizations that can be ISPs, End Users or National Internet Registries, (NIRs – see section 7). NIRs allocate and assign IP blocks to organizations in their countries. ISPs may sub-allocate IP blocks to other ISPs or assign them to End Users.
RIPE NCC LIRs may sub-allocate addresses to other organizations, which further assign addresses to End Users. LIRs also assign addresses. Sub-allocations are subject to the ‘Assignment Window’ procedure. See section 2.5.1 ‘Assignment Window’ below.

2.4 Assignments by RIRs (independent/portable)

2.4.1 General

RIR Category Policy Comment
APNIC Size No minimum, no maximum. Known as ‘small multihoming assignment policy’. Can be applied for under membership or as a ‘non-member’.
Eligibility Requesting organization needs to be multihomed and agree to renumber out of previously assigned address space.

Assignments will be made according to the following criteria: 25% immediate utilisation rate and 50% utilisation rate within one year.
ARIN Size /22 minimum for multihomed, otherwise /20, no maximum. Known as ‘end-user’ assignments.
Eligibility Assignments will be made according to the following criteria: 25% immediate utilisation rate and 50% utilisation rate within one year.
LACNIC Size /24 minimum, no maximum.
Eligibility Multihomed organizations (End User) may receive a minimum of /24 based on previous assignments of /25 from upstream providers.

Singlehome organization may apply, for at least a /20, based on demonstrated need of /21.
RIPE NCC Size No minimum, no maximum. Submit an application via an existing LIR. Cannot request directly.
Eligibility Based on demonstrated need, according to the criteria listed above.

2.4.2 Critical infrastructure

RIR Category Policy Comment
APNIC Definition Root DNS, ccTLD, gTLD, IANA, RIRs, NIRs.
Size /24 minimum.
Eligibility Assignments to critical infrastructure are available only to the actual operators of the network infrastructure performing such functions.
ARIN Definition Root DNS, ccTLD, gTLD, IANA, RIRs, IXPs. Requested via the ‘micro-allocations’ policy.
Size /24 minimum.
Eligibility Assignments to critical infrastructure are available only to the actual operators of the network infrastructure performing such functions.
LACNIC Definition Root DNS, ccTLD, gTLD, IANA, RIRs. Requested via the ‘micro-allocations’ policy.
Size /24 minimum.
Eligibility Assignments to critical infrastructure are available only to the actual operators of the network infrastructure performing such functions.
RIPE NCC Definition No specific policy. Portable address space can be obtained by submitting a request through an existing LIR.
Size Not applicable.
Eligibility Not applicable.

2.4.3 Internet exchange points (IXPs)

RIR Category Policy Comment
APNIC Size /24 minimum assignment. There is no restriction on routing prefixes assigned under this policy.
Eligibility Must be an IXP.

The number of ISPs connected should be at least three and there must be a clear and open policy for others to join.
ARIN Size /24 minimum assignment. Requested via the ‘micro-allocations’ policy.
Eligibility Exchange point operators must provide justification for the allocation, including: connection policy, location, other participants (minimum of two total), ASN, and contact information.
LACNIC Size /24. Requested via the ‘micro-allocations’ policy.
Eligibility Exchange point operators must provide documentation showing that it is an IXP, list of participants, structure diagram and numbering plan.
RIPE NCC Size No specific policy. Portable address space for this purpose can be requested via an existing LIR.
Eligibility No specific policy.

2.5 Assignments by LIRs (aggregatable/non-portable)

2.5.1 Assignment window

RIR Policy Comment
APNIC

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

 LIRs/ISPs need approval from the RIR when making assignments larger than their Assignment Window. This is the number of addresses an LIR/ISP can assign without prior approval. The RIR sets the assignment window according to the LIR’s/ISP’s level of experience with the policies. APNIC does not have assignment windows on infrastructure.
ARIN Not applicable. Assignment practices are audited by ARIN staff at time of request for additional resources.

2.5.2 Dynamic addressing

RIR Policy
APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

 In general, dynamic assignment of IP addresses is expected on transient connections such as analogue dialup.

2.5.3 Mobile terminals

RIR Policy
APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

 There is no special assignment policy with respect to mobile terminals.

2.5.4 Web hosting

RIR Policy
APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

 Name based web hosting is strongly encouraged where feasible.

2.5.5 Network address translation (NAT)

RIR Policy
APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

 The use of NAT is neither encouraged nor discussed during the request process.

2.5.6 RFC1918 Private Address Space

RIR Policy
APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

 For private networks that will never be connected to the Internet, the requestor is made aware of the IPv4 address space reserved for use in RFC1918.

3. IPv6

3.1 Initial allocation

RIR Category Policy Comment
ARIN Size /32. Organizations may qualify for an initial allocation greater than /32 by submitting documentation that reasonably justifies the request.
Eligibility a) Be an LIR; b) not be an end site; c) plan to provide IPv6 connectivity to organizations to which it will assign /48s, by advertising that connectivity through its single aggregated address allocation; d) have a plan for making at least 200 /48 assignments to other organizations within two years.
Period For up to two years.
APNIC

RIPE NCC

 Size /32. Allocations consistent with the globally co-ordinated ‘IPv6 Address Allocation and Assignment Policy’ document. Organizations may qualify for an initial allocation greater than /32 by submitting documentation that reasonably justifies the request.

Uses the HD ratio as a means of justifying a larger initial allocation size.
Eligibility a) Be an LIR; b) not be an end site; c) plan to provide IPv6 connectivity to organizations to which it will assign /48s, by advertising that connectivity through its single aggregated address allocation; d) have a plan for making at least 200 /48 assignments to other organizations within two years.

In addition, APNIC will make allocations to ‘closed’ networks if they meet all other criteria.
Period For up to two years.
LACNIC Size /32
Eligibility a) Be a LIR or an ISP; b) not be an end site (End User); c) document a detailed plan for the services and IPv6 connectivity to be offered to other organizations (clients); d) announce a single block in the Internet inter-domain routing system, aggregating the total IPv6 address allocation received, within a period not longer than 12 months; e) offer IPv6 services to clients physically located within the region covered by LACNIC within a period not longer than 24 months.
Period For up to two years.

3.2 Subsequent allocation

RIR Category Policy Comment
APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

 Size Minimum size of next allocation will equal the first allocation size. More can be allocated but justification must be supplied. Contiguous

allocation provided if possible.

RFC 3194 defines the HD-Ratio.
Eligibility ISP/LIR must satisfy the evaluation threshold of past address utilisation in terms of the number of sites in units of /48 assignments. The HD- Ratio of 0.8 is used to determine the utilisation thresholds that justify the allocation of additional addresses.
Period Up to two years.

3.3 Assignments by RIRs (independent/portable)

3.3.1 Critical infrastructure

RIR Category Policy Comment
APNIC Definition Root DNS, ccTLD, gTLD, IANA, RIRs, NIRs.
Size /32 minimum.
Eligibility Assignments to critical infrastructure are available only to the actual operators of the network infrastructure performing such functions.
ARIN Definition Root DNS, ccTLD, gTLD, IANA, RIRs, IXP.
Size /48 minimum.
Eligibility Assignments to critical infrastructure are available only to the actual operators of the network infrastructure performing such functions. Known as ‘micro-allocation’ policy.
LACNIC Definition NAPs, Root DNS, ccTLD, gTLD, IANA, RIRs, NIRs.
Size /48 minimum, /32 maximum.
Eligibility Micro allocation to critical Internet infrastructure operators only.
RIPE NCC Definition Root DNS.
Size Minimum allocation size at time of request.
Eligibility Assignments to critical infrastructure are available only to the actual operators of the network infrastructure performing such functions. Portable address space for this purpose can be obtained by members or if not a member by submitting a request through an existing LIR.

3.3.2 Internet exchange points (IXPs)

RIR Category Policy
APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

 Size /48 minimum.
Eligibility The IXP must have a clear and open policy for others to join and must have at least three members.

3.4 Assignments by LIRs (aggregatable/non-portable)

3.4.1 Dynamic addressing

RIR Policy Comment
APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

 There is currently no specific policy related to dynamic addressing. See RFC3177.

3.4.2 Mobile terminals

RIR Policy
APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

 There is no special assignment policy with respect to mobile terminals.

3.4.3 Web hosting

RIR Policy
APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

 There is no recommendation for IPv6 assignments in support of web hosting at this time.

3.4.4 Network address translation (NAT)

RIR Policy
APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

 The use of NAT is neither encouraged nor discussed during the request process.

4. Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs)

4.1 Allocations

RIR Policy
APNIC Blocks of Autonomous System numbers are allocated to NIRs for further distribution to their members.
ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

 Not applicable.

4.2 Assignments

RIR Category Policy Comment
APNIC Eligibility ASNs may be obtained directly from APNIC as a member or non-member. The ASN obtained directly is portable. ASNs may also be obtained indirectly, through a LIR who ‘sponsors’ the request. In this event, the ASN is non-portable.

Criteria need to be met in both cases, that is:

An organization is eligible if it a) is multihomed; and b) has a single, defined routing policy that is different from its providers’ routing policies. An organization will also be eligible if it can demonstrate that it will meet the above criteria upon receiving an ASN (or within a reasonably short time thereafter).
ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

 Eligibility Policies for AS number assignments are aligned with the guidelines contained in RFC1930. Verify that a network will have a unique routing policy or that it will be a multihomed site before assigning an AS Number. In RIPE region ASNs cannot be requested directly. An application must be submitted to the RIPE NCC via an existing LIR.

5. Database – Registration

RIR Category Policy Comment
APNIC Modification LIRs required to register all assignments and sub-allocations except infrastructure assignments. Registrations will be stored privately by APNIC unless the custodian wishes them to be made publicly available in the APNIC database.
Entry Can update all assignment and sub-allocation registrations (protection mechanism available).
ARIN Modification Downstream reassignments and reallocations are reported, showing hierarchy and End User assignments.

Reassignment information for residential customers need not contain the customer’s name nor street  address.

 Not required to register infrastructure assignments.
Entry Can modify all parent data except “org name” and address range. Can modify all child data.
LACNIC Modification Downstream reassignments and reallocations are reported, showing hierarchy and End User assignments. Not required to register infrastructure assignments.
Entry Can modify all parent data except “org name” and address range. Can modify all child data. Users have to authenticate themselves in LACNIC web system.
RIPE NCC Modification LIRs are required to register all assignments and sub-allocations.
Entry Can update all assignment and sub-allocation registrations (protection mechanism available).

6. Reverse DNS

RIR Policy Comment
APNIC Provides reverse DNS based on domain objects in the APNIC database. If the delegation is /16 or larger then the authority for the reverse zone, it is delegated to the custodian of the address space. Policy for “lame delegations” approved but not yet implemented.
ARIN Provides reverse DNS for all allocations and assignments in the database with the following exception: For all /16 or shorter prefixes ARIN delegates reverse DNS authority to the registrant. Policy for “lame delegations” checking established and enforced.
LACNIC Provides reverse DNS for all parent blocks. Does not provide reverse DNS for reassignments on child blocks if the parent is /16 or greater. Policy for “lame delegations” approved but not yet implemented. Nowadays “lame delegation” is checked and members are advised about the problem.
RIPE NCC Provides reverse DNS delegation on request. Holders of /16 or larger are required to use the RIPE NCC’s name server as secondary. RIPE NCC verifies RFC1912 compliance.

7. National Internet Registries (NIRs)

RIR Policy
APNIC NIRs operate in Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia and Vietnam. They are not ISPs. They allocate to their members following APNIC policies. Organizations may go to either the relevant NIR or APNIC.
ARIN

RIPE NCC

 Not applicable.
LACNIC NIRs operate in Brazil and Mexico. They are not ISPs. They allocate to their members following LACNIC policies. NIRs are responsible for providing services within their country.

8. Policy development

RIR Policy
APNIC

ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

 The policy development process is consensus based, open to anyone to participate and is transparent in archiving all decisions and policies so that they are publicly accessible.

9. Internet experiments

RIR Policy
APNIC

RIPE NCC

 Allocations and assignments of Internet resources for Internet experiments are available. Such allocations or assignments are made for one year after which they must be returned. They are intended to support experimental Internet activities. Results of experiments must be made freely available to the public.
ARIN ARIN will allocate Numbering Resources to entities requiring temporary Numbering Resources for a fixed period of time under the terms of recognised experimental activity.
LACNIC LACNIC shall make experimental allocations with the aim of encouraging research and development within the region of Latin America and the Caribbean. The experimental allocation shall be for a period of one year, renewable for a period of the same duration, with no specified maximum. The results of the experiment must be published on a public website.

10. Documentation prefix

RIR Policy
APNIC A documentation prefix is available to organizations wishing to use examples of Internet resources in educational materials, case studies and other documentation.
ARIN

LACNIC

RIPE NCC

 No specific policy.

Last modified on 27/01/2017

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